The Israeli occupation entity launched a spy satellite, dubbed Ofek-13, into space early Wednesday, Israeli media reported, noting that it is part of the entity's advanced military surveillance program.

“The ‘Ofek-13’ satellite is a [synthetic-aperture radar] observation satellite with advanced capabilities,” the entity's Security Ministry said.

Ofek-13 "is developed with high intelligence capabilities, and when it enters Earth's orbit, it will undergo a series of tests to ensure its level of performance," the statement added.

The Ministry later announced that the satellite “successfully entered orbit."

القمر الصناعي الذي اطلقه العدو فجر اليوم هكذا بدا من جنوب لبنان . pic.twitter.com/Kr0y39mu0S

— علي شعيب || Ali Shoeib 🇱🇧 (@alishoeib1970) March 28, 2023

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According to Israeli media, the Ofek-13 satellite was led by the Space and Satellite Administration and involved several military divisions such as intelligence unit 9900 and IAF.

The project's main contractor was "Israel Aerospace", while Rafael and Tomer arms companies were in charge of producing the engines.

Unit 9900 is the body responsible for collecting photographic intelligence information through aerial and satellite images and will be responsible for operating the spy satellite.

In 1988, the occupation entity managed to put into orbit its first satellite Ofek-1, while the latest successful launch prior to this one was in December 2022, where American billionaire Elon Musk launched the Eros C-3 spy satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 

“Initial indications from the satellite are very good. Within the coming weeks, we will complete technical tests and receive the first pictures before delivering the satellite for operational use," said Avi Berger, the director of the space unit.